Can a missing balance weight cause a vehicle to pull hard to one side??
Dec 7, 2006 at 12:02 PM
2001 Ford Explorer Pulls Hard
LILIE8
- MEMBER
- 1 POST
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It could be a loose steering box. The pulling to the right or left may have masked the slop by always preloading the gear in that direction. Might also be some worn steering linkage that was masked too. If the toe-in is not enough it will wander.
best of luck
best of luck
Dec 7, 2006 at 2:27 PM
Chances are not likely. Usually the amount of inbalance is not all that noticeable to most people and it usually just screws up the tire wear. Is your wheel alignment a possibility. A dragging brake could be a cause.
Dec 7, 2006 at 3:27 PM
Suggested Repair
A missing balance weight is unlikely to cause a hard pull and more often affects tire wear. Check wheel alignment and for a dragging brake; also inspect the steering box and linkage if there is play or wander.
Conversation Summary
The owner of a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport asked whether a missing balance weight could make the vehicle pull hard to one side. A reply suggested a loose steering box, worn steering linkage, or insufficient toe-in. The expert said imbalance is unlikely to be noticeable and usually mainly affects tire wear, and pointed to alignment or a dragging brake as more likely causes.